Archive for the ‘News’ Category

International Trade, News

November 6, 2023

In an effort to promote gender inclusivity and a better understanding of the link between trade and gender issues, the World Trade Organization (WTO) recently completed a two-day training course for government officials from Geneva-based permanent missions. This unique training initiative aimed to equip delegates, including trade officials, counsellors, and ambassadors, with the knowledge and […]

In an effort to strengthen economic ties between the United States and China, U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen is scheduled to meet with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng in San Francisco this week. This meeting aims to foster a budding economic dialogue between the world’s two largest economies in anticipation of a U.S.-hosted summit of […]

In a bipartisan effort to support trade relations between the United States and Africa, Democratic Senator Chris Coons has called for a 16-year extension of a trade program that grants qualifying African nations duty-free access to the U.S. market. Senator Coons, a prominent advocate for U.S.-Africa policy, believes that extending the program is vital for […]

Australia, News, Trade Relations

November 4, 2023

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese embarked on a historic visit to China, becoming the first Australian leader to do so in seven years. During his address at the annual China International Import Expo in Shanghai, Albanese emphasized the importance of a bilateral relationship marked by dialogue and cooperation, stating that it is “in all our […]

  U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai emphasized the need for a “more useful and effective” trade programme with Africa during talks in South Africa over the future of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). AGOA, which grants qualifying African countries duty-free access to the U.S. market, is set to expire in September 2025, with […]

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol expressed his aspirations for a substantial growth in trade and investment between South Korea and Ireland. This vision comes as the two nations collaborate to bolster their partnership in the fields of biotechnology and education.   During a bilateral summit held in Seoul with Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar, President […]

International Trade, News

November 3, 2023

International trade provides a well-established pathway for least-developed countries (LDCs) to achieve sustainable economic growth and development. However, LDCs face various challenges as they strive to increase their share of global trade, including domestic capacity limitations and trade barriers in export markets.   A recent collection of essays titled “LDCs and the Multilateral Trading System […]

Geopolitics, News, United States

November 2, 2023

  In a strategic move, the Biden administration has scheduled the seventh negotiating round for its Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) arrangements in San Francisco, just days before a crucial summit of Pacific Rim leaders. The U.S. Trade Representative’s office announced these talks, which will take place from November 5th to 12th, with the objective of […]

In a bid to strengthen agricultural trade ties, a group of U.S. agriculture industry representatives convened in Beijing, marking a significant development amidst ongoing political tensions between the United States and China. This delegation comprises 11 prominent organizations, including the U.S. Soybean Export Council, U.S. Grains Council, and U.S. Wheat Associates. Their visit follows closely […]

In a bid to enhance its position as a global manufacturing hub, Malaysia is actively pursuing foreign investments in high-value sectors like electric vehicles (EVs), semiconductors, and carbon capture, according to the country’s Trade and Investment Minister, Tengku Zafrul Aziz.   With a well-established reputation in manufacturing, Malaysia now seeks to ascend the value chain […]

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has highlighted the Biden administration’s intention to not only renew but also improve the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), a pivotal trade program with Africa. AGOA, initially launched in 2000, offers qualifying African countries duty-free access to the U.S. market, the largest consumer market globally. With its expiration […]

A delegation of U.S. agricultural industry leaders convened in Beijing to engage with their Chinese counterparts, underscoring the importance of agricultural trade between the two nations despite ongoing political tensions. The gathering included representatives from 11 organizations, including the U.S. Soybean Export Council, U.S. Grains Council, and U.S. Wheat Associates, who met in the wake […]

China, International Trade, News

November 2, 2023

A delegation of Dutch semiconductor companies and suppliers is considering investment opportunities in Vietnam as part of efforts to diversify their manufacturing base and reduce reliance on China amidst growing trade tensions between China and Western countries. The delegation, led by outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte during a business mission to Hanoi, included representatives […]

Africa, International Trade, News

November 2, 2023

The African Union (AU) is advocating for a minimum 10-year extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), emphasizing the need for stability and predictability in trade relations between Africa and the United States. Speaking at a series of meetings between African trade ministers and U.S. officials, AU Trade Commissioner Albert Muchanga urged that […]